It's a small world after all.

[IA4PATS]

I have a macro lens that I used for my old Pentax, and since I have got my 7d I really am missing the macro. I now found out how much I enjoyed macro shooting. I was looking for opinions on a new macro. Does anybody have a lens they love? Prime would be clearer right? Or is the zoom versatility better? If prime is better, what length do you think? Thanks

[eyeguy 54]

I'm new to the DSLR world. So far I am really enjoying the 18-300 Nikor that I got. Lots to learn.

[MN Shutterbug]

I don't think there is such a thing as a zoom macro. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. However, just about any lens can give you near macro results. I've taken close up shots of bees with my 18-55 and pics of dragonflies with my 100-400.

[Dbl]

A true macro lens offers a 1:1 magnification ratio - the image on the sensor can be the same size as the subject (life-size). When you display a 1x image on a monitor or in print a small object will look huge! There are shortcuts to achieve the same thing (close up lens sets, extension tubes) but optically the best thing out there is a true macro lens.

One of the best macro lenses on the Canon side of the equation is the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro. If you feel the need for IS it is available with that as well. This is a true gem at a reasonable price in the Canon lineup. Once big advantage of a macro like this lens is the that the barrel of the lens doesn't extend and retract.

It's focus speed is fast, it is sharp wide-open at f2.8 and offers a good working distance to subject (about 6"). This lens is a great choice for macro. Other choices would be the Canon 180/3.5 USM, more expensive! The Sigma 150/2.8 I understand is another good choice. These happen to fall in a good focal range for portrait work as well!

[Dbl]

By the way take a look at the sticky in this forum right above this post right now on "Photography - Basics and Beyond". Steve Foss has a nice write up on using the Canon 100 with some good examples and explanations on shooting macro shots.

[IA4PATS]

Thanks. I really hope the wife let's me get to that 1:1 ratio. That's what I am looking for. I was leaning to the Canon 100, but just started looking at the Sigma 150 today. I will look for Steve's post.

[Dbl]

My only issue with Sigma is the they have a history of focus issues. Some of the reviews I read seem to back that up. Something to think about. Good luck with the search!

[Canon Guy]

I'd say you can't go wrong with the 100mm f/2.8. I was about to pick one up recently because I had an unexpexted photo job that paid pretty well. The job ended up paying even better than I thought so I ended up with the "L" version,but I would have been completely happy with the non "L". I did some research on it and examined images by others and was extremely impressed and believe the IQ to be pretty much the same for both lenses. I have not really had the time to work with it yet so it will probably be the spring before it gets the real macro test. What I have discovered already is that the DOF is very shallow and there will be a learning curve. The lens is nice and sharp though and the bokeh is impressive. I have taken some photos with it.

[IA4PATS]

Dan you are spot on again. Sigma still has some focus issues, but it seems that once you get a good one, they are razor sharp. Thanks for the samples Canon Guy. I just wonder if I would like the length of 150 over the 100?

[Canon Guy]

Dan you are spot on again. Sigma still has some focus issues, but it seems that once you get a good one, they are razor sharp. Thanks for the samples Canon Guy. I just wonder if I would like the length of 150 over the 100?

I use mine on the 60D which like the 7D is not a full frame. If it was me, that would be the reason to go with the 100mm, but in the end it is personal preference.

[Paul]

I have a Canon 100 f2.8 macro and I love it. i also have a set of 3 Kenko Extension tubes, Which I find are very handy indeed. I agree with the earlier post about the learnign curve, It takes a bit to get used to the 2.8 aperature and right distance away from the object if you chose to use it at 2.8. It also make a great portrait lense, and will give you some great bokeh. Another option would be to take your existing Pentex lense and find a pentex to canon converter ring. would be a lot cheaper than dropping 500+ on a new macro. Just a thought. I have been talking to some guys in the Fargo Camera club and they did some experimentation with reversing rings and a macro lense put on the camera body backwards. gave some intesting results.